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07/23/2019 12:00 AMThe Democratic Town Committee (DTC) left the top spot blank in their list of endorsements for November’s upcoming elections. At the DTC nominating convention on July 16, Third Selectman Sally Buemi suggested that the Democrats will have a candidate in the future.
“A few months ago…people asked about my intention to run for first selectmen…I intend someday to do that,” Buemi said. “I feel though, that right now, given all factors to consider with the current administration, that the best thing for me is to continue to act as a very active member of the BOS.”
Buemi, who is currently serving her thirdterm as third selectman, will run for re-election and had no Democratic challengers to her nomination.
“I think I’m an effective watchdog. That’s the key word that people always say the minority party selectman ought to be,” she said. “I bark as much as I can when I think it’s appropriate.”
DTC Chair Kathy Grant said she’s not happy with the current administration.
“I think the power is way too centralized. I feel we need to change our current form of local government and make it more representative,” she said in an email. “Many residents are disengaged in local politics and I think this is a big reason for it.”
Still, Grant is pleased with Buemi’s performance on the BOS.
“Sally offers us the best opportunity to guide our messaging. We are pleased with her leadership and support her decision to stay on as selectman,” Grant said.
Republican First Selectman Michael Freda said that though the DTC chose not to nominate a challenger, he remains motivated to improve his performance.
“Even though I may not technically have an opponent, the way I look at it is that I do have an opponent,” he says. “I’m always looking to see how I can beat that man [in the mirror] and do better.”
Aside from the first selectman slot, the DTC has a full slate named for the November elections.
“We will focus this year’s campaign on the competitive under-ticket races for Board of Finance and Board of Education,” Grant said.
The DTC has nominated political newcomer Frederick Rodriquez and incumbent Jennifer Cecarelli to run for Board of Education. Patricia Ann Brown was nominated for re-election to the Board of Finance along with Nancy Barrett.
The DTC nomination of Jennifer Caldwell for a seat on the Board of Fire Commissioners over sitting commissioner Peter Criscuolo, who has held the position for 24 years, sparked some controversy.
“[Caldwell’s] background is occupational therapy and education…she is going for a master’s degree in health care management,” said Theresa Ranciato-Viele, who nominated Caldwell. “It will be an asset to have somebody like that on our fire commission. Having a woman on the fire commission representing our Democratic party in town will bring our party into the 21st century.”
Alden Mead nominated Criscuolo for re-election.
“[Peter] has great passion. He’s a former DTC chair and so many of his qualifications, his résumé, speak for themselves,” Mead said.
The vote came to 26 votes in favor of Caldwell and 12 for Criscuolo.
Criscuolo maintains that the nominating committee favored Caldwell because of his history of disagreeing with the party. He said he intends to go to primary.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Third Selectman Sally Buemi was serving her second term; she is serving her third term.